At the PIF Saudi Ladies International, both Chizzy and Akie Iwai are firmly in contention going into the final two rounds.
Chizzy started strong with a 65 in the first round where she had five birdies, an eagle and one bogey. She followed that up with a solid 69 to sit at -10 for the week, one stroke back of leader Mimi Rhodes.
Iwai got off to a slow start, with three pars and a bogey on the first four holes. She got a few birdies on holes five, six and eight, but ended the front nine with a bogey. She did make two birdies on the back nine without any dropped shots.
Akie was almost the complete opposite. After a first round 69, Iwai got started quick with three birdies on the first four holes. She ended the fantastic nine off with a birdie right before making the turn. She made a long string of pars before a birdie on 15, bogey on 16 and birdie on 18. She ended up with a -5 67 and sits three strokes back of Rhodes.
Rhodes had a solid day of maintenance after her incredible opening round 64. She got started quick as well, with birdies on the first two holes. She made two more on 10 and 13 but dropped her first stroke of the week on 16. She hit just nine fairways but was fantastic on approach, hitting 15 greens.
Also in contention are LPGA Tour winners Carlota Ciganda, Rio Takeda, Nasa Hataoka, Charley Hull and Patty Tavatanakit. The third round kicks off Friday, early in the morning in the United States.
